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Reflect on the passages from Hebrews discussed in this lesson. How might the first-century practices of patronage and reciprocity shape (or reshape) how you think about how you relate to God and respond to His grace?
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4 Replies
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We are taught in most churches that grace is freely given by God. What I think fails to be taught is the concept of reciprocity. This lesson, and the verses in Hebrews, helped clarify this for me. We must not only willingly accept God’s grace, for which he paid such a price, but we have to reciprocate. We are also taught in most churches that once saved, always saved. Reading and really concentrating on Hebrews 6 seems to suggest that it is impossible to bring back those who have fallen away. This is a passage I will study more, in order to completely understand it. Very good lesson!
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There is nothing in Christianese that bothers me more than the saying, “Once saved, always saved.” This renders the incredible grace extended by Jesus as cheap and discardable. Whereas nothing can overpower God and takes us from his hand, Hebrews 6 makes it clear that even though we have been enlightened, we can still walk away. Yet, God pursues his people until the end of life. However, if we were to perish in this sin, would Jesus know us (Matthew 7:21-25).
The grace extended by Jesus was at the cost of the most excruciatingly painful death, for us. As Jesus gave everything to bring us a way unto his Kingdom, the very least I can do is to clearly give to him 100% of myself.
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Grace is freely given but requires everything from us all. Cheap grace is thinking I have received this gift and can do with it what I choose. True grace is understanding the gratitude that needs to take place in my heart and life to continue the “Dance of Grace” with our Redeemer.
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Grace was freely given to us, but it was very costly. It cost Jesus Christ everything to be able to offer this wonderful gift to mankind. Therefore, it is only fitting that we live a devoted life of gratitude to him in exchange for his gift. Anything less would “cheapen” the cost of his grace and would also be giving Christ far less than what he well deserves. Even though grace is free, it is not to be abused and misused. Grace costs believers a lifetime of dedicated, devoted, and grateful service. All because Jesus paid a debt he did not owe and therefore I owe I debt I cannot adequately repay.